Surgical access apparatus with centering mechanism

ABSTRACT

A surgical access apparatus includes a housing member and a portal member extending from the housing member and defining a longitudinal axis. The housing member and the portal member define a longitudinal passage therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object. A centering mechanism is mounted relative to the housing member. The centering mechanism includes an annular element mounted for rotational movement within the housing member and about the longitudinal axis and first and second arm elements mounted to the annular element and extending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. The first and second arm elements are each positioned to intersect the longitudinal passage and are adapted to pivot relative to the housing member. The first and second arm elements are operatively connected whereby pivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement with the elongated object causes the annular element to rotate in response thereto and effect corresponding pivotal movement of the second arm element.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/931,768 filed on May 24, 2007, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a surgical portal for accessingunderlying body tissue to permit the introduction of surgical objects inconjunction with a medical procedure. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a surgical portal including a centering mechanismfor facilitating the alignment of a surgical instrument with an axis ofthe surgical portal, to thereby assist in the maintenance of the sealabout the instrument and/or the minimize lateral movement of theinstrument within the portal.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Surgical portals are employed in various minimally invasive proceduresincluding laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures. Such portals areinclusive of trocar cannulas, catheters, or, in the event of a minimallyinvasive hand assist procedures, hand access devices. Surgical portalstypically incorporate a seal mechanism to form a fluid tight seal aboutan instrument or hand passed through the portal. The seal mechanisms,however, often are limited by their ability to sustain a seal when aninstrument, particularly, a smaller diameter instrument, is movedoff-axis relative to a central axis of the portal. Moreover, the sealmechanisms are also limited by their ability to sustain their integritywhen the surgical instrument is angulated. Such extreme ranges of motionof smaller diameter surgical instruments within the portal can create a“cat eye” or crescent shaped gap about the instrument resulting in fluidloss (e.g., insufflation gas loss).

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a surgical accessapparatus including a housing member and a portal member extending fromthe housing member and defining a longitudinal axis. The housing memberand the portal member define a longitudinal passage therethroughdimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object. A centeringmechanism is mounted relative to the housing member. The centeringmechanism includes an annular element mounted for rotational movementwithin the housing member and about the longitudinal axis and first andsecond arm elements mounted to the annular element and extendingradially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. The first andsecond arm elements are each positioned to intersect the longitudinalpassage and are adapted to pivot relative to the housing member. Thefirst and second arm elements are operatively connected whereby pivotalmovement of the first arm element upon engagement with the elongatedobject causes the annular element to rotate in response thereto andeffect corresponding pivotal movement of the second arm element. A sealmay be disposed within the housing member. The seal is adapted toestablish a substantial sealing relation with the elongated object. Thefirst and second arm elements may be normally biased to urge theinstrument toward a generally aligned position with respect to thelongitudinal axis.

The centering mechanism may include a third arm element. The first,second and third arm elements may be generally coaxially arranged withrespect to the longitudinal axis.

The annular element may include an outer element with the first andsecond arm elements being connected to the outer element. The first andsecond arm elements are adapted to pivot about respective pivotal axesupon rotation of the outer element.

In an alternate embodiment, the annular element may include an innerelement. The first and second arm elements are adapted to pivot uponrotation of the inner element. An outer mount may be provided where thefirst and second arm elements being pivotally mounted to the outermount. The outer mount is fixed with respect to the housing member. Thefirst and second arm elements may be each pivotally mounted to the outermount through a living hinge.

In another embodiment, the surgical access apparatus includes a housingmember, a portal member extending from the housing member and defining alongitudinal axis with the housing member and the portal member defininga longitudinal passage therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of anelongated object and at least three arm elements pivotally mountedrelative to the housing member and extending radially inwardly relativeto the longitudinal axis. The at least three arm elements are eachpositioned to intersect the longitudinal passage. The at least threearms have camming structure to operatively connect the at least threearms in a manner whereby pivotal movement of a first arm element uponengagement with the elongated object causes corresponding pivotalmovement of the remaining arm elements. A seal may be disposed withinthe housing member. The seal is adapted to establish a substantialsealing relation with the elongated object. The at least three armelements may be pivotally mounted relative to the housing member aboutliving hinges. Each of the at least three arm elements may include camslots for receiving corresponding cam pins of adjacent arm elements. Theat least three arm elements may be adapted to normally bias theelongated object in a generally aligned position with respect to thelongitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be betterappreciated by reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the surgical access apparatus inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with parts separated of the surgical accessapparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the housing member, portal member andthe centering mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the housing member and thecentering mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the centering mechanism illustrating theannular element and the centering arms extending inwardly from theannular element and having a small diameter instrument positionedtherein;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view similar to the view of FIG. 4 illustrating alarge diameter instrument positioned within the centering mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the centeringmechanism illustrating an outer element, an inner element and centeringarms connected to the inner element;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view similar to the view of FIG. 6 illustrating thecentering mechanism with a large diameter instrument positioned therein;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the centeringmechanism illustrating an outer element, centering arms connected to theinner element and having a camming mechanism for causing movement of thecentering arms; and

FIG. 9 is a top plan view similar to the view of FIG. 8 illustrating thecentering mechanism with a large diameter instrument positioned therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The access apparatus of the present disclosure is capable ofaccommodating objects of varying diameters, e.g., including instrumentsfrom about 4.5 millimeter (mm) to about 15 millimeter (mm), during aminimally invasive surgical procedure. Moreover, the access apparatuscontemplates the introduction and manipulation of various types ofinstrumentation adapted for insertion through a trocar and/or cannulaassembly while maintaining a fluid tight interface about theinstrumentation to prevent gas and/or fluid leakage from the establishedpneumoperitoneum so as to preserve the atmospheric integrity of asurgical procedure. Specifically, the access apparatus includes acentering mechanism which while permitting angular manipulation of thesurgical instrument normally biases the instrument into an alignedposition with respect to the axis of the cannula. This feature of thepresent disclosure desirably minimizes the entry and exit of gasesand/or fluids to/from the body cavity.

Examples of instrumentation contemplated for use with the accessapparatus include clip appliers, graspers, dissectors, retractors,staplers, laser probes, photographic devices, endoscopes andlaparoscopes, tubes, and the like. Such instruments will be collectivelyreferred to herein as “instruments or instrumentation”.

In the following discussion, the term “proximal” will refer to theportion of the access apparatus nearest to the clinician duringoperation while the term “distal” will refer to that portion of theaccess apparatus most remote to the clinician.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identifyidentical or substantially similar parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the access apparatus 100 of the present disclosure.Access apparatus 100 may be any member suitable for the intended purposeof accessing a body cavity and typically defines a passageway permittingintroduction of instruments or the clinician's hand therethrough. Accessapparatus 100 is particularly adapted for use in laparoscopic surgerywhere the peritoneal cavity is insufflated with a suitable gas, e.g.,CO₂, to raise the cavity wall from the internal organs therein. Accessapparatus 100 is typically used with an obturator assembly (not shown)which may be blunt, a non-bladed, or a sharp pointed instrumentpositionable within the passageway of the access apparatus 100. Theobturator assembly is utilized to penetrate the abdominal wall tointroduce the access apparatus 100 through the abdominal wall, and thensubsequently is removed from the access apparatus 100 to permitintroduction of the surgical instrumentation utilized to perform theprocedure through the passageway.

Access apparatus 100 includes housing member 102 and portal member 104connected to the housing member 102 and extending therefrom. Portalmember 104 defines a longitudinal axis “k” extending along the length ofthe portal member 104. Housing member 102 and portal member 104 furtherdefine internal longitudinal passage 106 dimensioned to permit passageof surgical instrumentation. Portal member 104 may be formed of anysuitable medical grade material, such as stainless steel or other rigidmaterials, including polymeric materials, such as polycarbonate, or thelike. Portal member 104 may be transparent or opaque. The diameter ofportal member 104 may vary, but typically ranges from about 4.5millimeters (mm) to about 15 millimeters (mm).

Housing member 102 may include a number of components assembled togetherto define the outer housing shown in the drawings. For example, housingmember 102 may include main housing 108 and centering assembly 110.Centering assembly 110 may or may not be a component of housing member102. In one embodiment, centering assembly 110 may be selectivelyreleasably mountable to main housing 108. In another embodiment,centering assembly 110 is an integral part of main housing 108.Centering assembly 110 will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.Main housing 108 is attached to the proximal end of portal member 104,specifically, to portal flange 112 of portal member 104. In one method,main housing 108 is connectable to portal flange 112 through a bayonetcoupling consisting of radially spaced tongues 114 on the exterior ofportal flange 112 and corresponding recesses 116 within the interior ofmain housing 108, which are arranged to receive the tongues 114.Thereafter, portal flange 112 and main housing 108 are rotated tosecurely lock tongues 114 within recesses 116. Other conventional means,e.g., a threaded connection, snap fit, ultrasonic welding or any othermeans envisioned by one skilled in the art including, e.g., adhesivemeans, may be utilized to connect portal flange 112 and main housing108. Main housing 108 further includes diametrically opposed housinggrips 118 dimensioned and arranged for gripping engagement by thefingers of the user. Additionally or alternatively, suture anchors mayextend from main housing. Portal flange 112 and main housing 108 may beintegrally formed with portal member 104.

Main housing 108 further includes valve 120. Valve 120 may be azero-closure valve such as duck-bill valve having a slit which isadapted to close in the absence of a surgical object and/or in responseto insufflation gases of the pressurized cavity. In the alternative,valve 120 may be a gel seal, balloon valve, or a flapper valve.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, centering assembly 110 includes centeringhousing, generally identified as reference numeral 122, centeringmechanism 124 and seal 126 which are each disposed within the centeringhousing 122. Centering housing 122 defines central housing axis “m”which is preferably parallel to the axis “k” of portal member 104, and,more specifically, coincident with the axis “k” of the portal member104. Centering housing 122 incorporates three housing components,namely, first, second and third housing components 128, 130, 132,respectively, which, when assembled together, form the centering housing122. Assembly of housing components 128, 130, 132 may be affected by anyof the aforementioned connection means discussed with respect to mainhousing 108. Although shown and described as three components, it isappreciated that centering housing 122 may be a single component havingcentering mechanism 124 and seal 126 mounted therein. In the assembledcondition of housing components 128, 130, 132, internal seal chamber 134and internal centering chamber 136 are defined within the walls ofcentering housing 122.

Centering assembly 110 includes seal 126 disposed within internal sealchamber 134. Seal 126 may include annular support collar 138 and sealelement 140 which is mounted within, or attached to, the support collar138. Support collar 138 is adapted to reciprocally slide in thedirection of directional arrows “c” (FIG. 3) within internal sealchamber 134 in general transverse relation to central housing axis “m”.Support collar 138 may comprise a plastic, metallic or elastomermaterial and may be monolithically formed with seal element 140. Supportcollar 138 may comprise a two-part ring assembly such as the assemblydisclosed in certain embodiments of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.6,702,787 to Racenet, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. The ring members have holes and poststhat are arranged for mating with one another, joining the ring memberstogether with the seal element fixed therebetween. Seal element 140 ispreferably a septum seal including an inner area defining a centralaperture for sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The periphery ofseal element 140 is preferably secured to, or within, support collar138. Consequently, seal element 140 may move with support collar 138within internal seal chamber 134 during manipulation of the insertedobject. Any means for securing seal element 140 to support collar 138are envisioned including with the use of cements, adhesives, etc. Sealelement 140 may comprise an elastomeric material and may, or may not,include a fabric layer juxtaposed with the elastomeric material. Forexample, in one embodiment, seal element 140 desirably comprises anelastomeric material compression-molded with a fabric material such asdisclosed in certain embodiments of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.6,702,787. The fabric may comprise a woven, knitted, braided, ornon-woven material of polymeric materials. Alternatively, seal element140 may comprise a gel material fabricated from soft urethane gel,silicon gel, etc. As noted above, seal element 140 and support collar138 may be monolithically formed as a single unit. In a furtherembodiment, seal element 140 and support collar 138 may be formed of oneor more elastomers.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, in conjunction with FIGS. 2-3, centeringmechanism 124 will be discussed in detail. Centering mechanism 124 isdisposed within internal centering chamber 136 of centering housing 122.In one embodiment, centering mechanism 124 is proximal of seal 126;however, it is envisioned that the centering mechanism 124 also may bedistal of the seal 126. Centering mechanism 124 includes ring or annularelement 142 and a plurality of arm elements 144 connected to the annularelement 142 and extending radially inwardly relative to axis “m”.Annular element 142 may be formed of any rigid material including asuitable polymeric material or metal. Annular element 142 is adapted forlimited rotational movement in the direction of directional arrows “b”within internal centering chamber 136 about axis “m”. Arm elements 144are operatively connected to annular element 142 through a hinge 146 orthe like whereby each arm element 144 may pivot or rotate about thehinge 146 during operation. In one embodiment, hinge 146 may include aball and socket arrangement. Each arm element 144 is also mountedrelative to centering housing 122 through respective pivot pins 148 topivot about the pins 148 during rotation of annular element 142. Pivotpins 148 extend through corresponding openings in the respective armelements 144 and are secured to centering housing 122, specifically,plate 150 of centering housing 122 in fixed relation therewith (FIG. 3).Centering mechanism 124 further may include torsion spring 152 adjacentannular element 142. Torsion spring 152 is fixed at one end 152 a tohousing component 128 and at its other end 152 b to annular element 142.In this manner, torsion spring 152 normally biases annular element 142in a clockwise direction relative to FIG. 4.

The use access apparatus 100 in connection with introduction of asurgical instrument “i” will be discussed. Centering assembly 110 ismounted to housing member 102 if not an integral component of thehousing member 102. Access apparatus 100 is introduced into aninsufflated abdominal cavity typically utilizing a sharp or non-bladedobturator (not shown) positioned within longitudinal passage 106 ofaccess apparatus 100. The obturator is then removed leaving accessapparatus 100 to thereby define a portal to the underlying tissue withinthe abdominal cavity. With reference to FIG. 4, an object, e.g., asurgical instrument “i” is inserted into centering assembly 110, throughcentering mechanism 124 and seal 126 whereby the portions defining theaperture of seal element 140 stretches to accommodate the instrument “i”in substantial sealed relation therewith. Simultaneous with theinsertion of the instrument “i”, at least one of arm elements 144 ofcentering mechanism 124 initially pivot about its/their respective pivotpins 148 in a radially outward direction relative to housing axis “m”.This movement of arm element 144 thereby causes annular element 142(directional arrows “b”) to rotate about housing axis “m” in acounterclockwise direction relative to FIG. 4 against the bias oftorsion spring 152 to permit the centering mechanism 124 to receive thesurgical instrument “i”. Specifically, rotational movement of annularelement 142 causes each of arm elements 144 to simultaneously pivotabout their respective pivot pins 148 in a radial outward directionrelative to housing axis “m”. Additionally, torsion spring 152 enters astressed state, and, therefore, applies a biasing force to continuallybias annular element 142 in the opposite rotational direction, i.e., ina clockwise direction relative to FIG. 4. This angular biasing force onannular element 142 also causes arm elements 144 to be biased to pivotabout their respective pivot pins 148 in a radial inward or clockwisedirection relative to housing axis “m”. In this manner, the instrument“i” is captured between arm elements 144 with the arm elements 144positioning the instrument “i” into generally aligned relation withrespect to the housing axis “m”. The aligned relation of the instrument“i” substantially minimizes the potential of “cat eyeing” of seal 126and undesired release of gases through the seal 126.

FIG. 5 illustrates insertion of a relatively large diameter instrument“i” through centering mechanism 122. During insertion, annular element142 rotates through a greater angular sector of rotation and armelements 144 correspondingly pivot through a greater range of pivotalmotion to permit reception of the large instrument “i”. Torsion spring152 continually biases annular element 142 to its initial position whichcauses arm elements 144 to cooperatively engage and bias the instrument“i” into aligned position with housing axis “m”.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate an alternate embodiment of centering mechanism.Centering mechanism 200 includes outer annular element 202, innerannular element 204 and arm elements 206. Outer annular element 202 isfixed within centering housing 122, and, thus does not rotate within thehousing 122. Inner annular element 204 is adapted for limited rotationalmovement within centering housing 122 relative to housing axis “m”. Armelements 206 are connected to outer annular element 202 through hinges208 and may pivot about the hinges 208 relative to the outer annularelement 202. Any means for pivotally mounting arm elements 206 to outerannular element 202 are envisioned. In one embodiment, arm elements 206are mounted to outer annular element 202 through a living hinge. Armelements 206 are adapted to pivot relative to outer annular element 202and centering housing 122 about pivot pins 210. Pivot pins 210 extendthrough arm elements 206 and are connected to inner annular element 204.During operation, an instrument “i” is advanced through arm elements206. At least one of arm elements 206 engages the instrument “i” andpivots radially outwardly relative to housing axis “m”. This pivotingmotion causes inner annular element 204 to correspondingly rotate in aclockwise direction of directional arrows “b” (FIG. 6) through itsinterconnection with pivot pins 210, which causes simultaneous pivotalmovement of all of the arm elements 206 to permit passage of theinstrument “i”. In this embodiment, torsion spring 152 is connected toinner annular element 204 and to centering housing 122 to normally biasthe inner annular element 204 in a clockwise direction upon rotationalmovement of inner annular element 204. This biasing causes arm elements206 to impart a radially inward force to the instrument “i” to positionthe instrument “i” into generally aligned position with respect to thelongitudinal axis “m”. FIG. 7 illustrates the insertion of a largediameter instrument and the corresponding counter-clockwise rotationalmovement of inner annular element 204 through a greater sector ofrotation and corresponding pivotal movement of arm elements 206.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the centering mechanismof the present disclosure. Centering assembly 300 includes outer element302 which is fixed within centering housing 122 and a plurality, e.g.,three, of arm elements 304 extending radially inwardly from the outerelement 302. Arm elements 304 are connected to outer element 302 vialiving hinges 306 and may pivot about the living hinges 306 duringinsertion of the instrument “i”. Each arm element 304 includes cam slotor recess 308 formed on its lower or distal surface. Arm elements 304further include cam arms 310 connected thereto, and, possibly integrallyformed therewith. Cam arms 310 include cam pins 312 connected theretoand received within corresponding cam slots 308 of adjacent arm elements304. During insertion of the instrument “i”, cam pins 312 of each camarm 310 traverses cam slots 308 of an adjacent arm element 306 tosimultaneously radially displace relative to housing axis “m” the armelements 306 to permit passage of the instrument “i”. The arrangement ofliving hinges 306 may normally bias each respective arm element 306radially inwardly relative to housing axis “m” such that the armelements 306 capture and position the instrument “i” into alignedposition with respect to the housing axis “m”. FIG. 9 illustratesinsertion of a relatively large diameter instrument “i” throughcentering mechanism 300 and the corresponding movement of arm elements304, cam arms 310 and cam pins 312.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is envisioned thatthe torsion spring 152 may be replaced, or supplemented, with internalleaf springs built into the arm elements to impart a radially inwardforce on the instrument. Other configurations are also envisioned.

1. A surgical access apparatus, which comprises: a housing member; aportal member extending from the housing member and defining alongitudinal axis, the housing member and the portal member defining alongitudinal passage therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of anelongated object; a centering mechanism mounted relative to the housingmember, the centering mechanism including: an annular element mountedfor rotational movement within the housing member and about thelongitudinal axis; first and second arm elements mounted to the annularelement and extending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinalaxis, the first and second arm elements each positioned to intersect thelongitudinal passage and adapted to pivot relative to the housingmember, the first and second arm elements operatively connected wherebypivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement with theelongated object causes the annular element to rotate in responsethereto, and wherein the rotational movement of the annular elementeffects corresponding pivotal movement of the second arm element.
 2. Thesurgical access apparatus according to claim 1 including a seal disposedwithin the housing member, the seal adapted to establish a substantialsealing relation with the elongated object.
 3. The surgical accessapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second arm elementsare normally biased to urge the instrument toward a generally alignedposition with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 4. The surgical accessapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the centering mechanism includesa third arm element.
 5. The surgical access apparatus according to claim4 wherein the first, second and third arm elements are generallycoaxially arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 6. A surgicalaccess apparatus, which comprises: a housing member; a portal memberextending from the housing member and defining a longitudinal axis, thehousing member and the portal member defining a longitudinal passagetherethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object; acentering mechanism mounted relative to the housing member, thecentering mechanism including: an outer annular element, mounted forrotational movement within the housing member and about the longitudinalaxis; first and second arm elements connected to the outer annularelement and extending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinalaxis, the first and second arm elements each positioned to intersect thelongitudinal passage and adapted to pivot relative to the housingmember, the first and second arm elements operatively connected wherebypivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement with theelongated object causes the annular element to rotate in responsethereto and effect corresponding pivotal movement of the second armelement.
 7. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 6 whereinthe first and second arm elements are adapted to pivot about respectivepivotal axes upon rotation of the outer element.
 8. A surgical accessapparatus, which comprises: a housing member; a portal member extendingfrom the housing member and defining a longitudinal axis, the housingmember and the portal member defining a longitudinal passagetherethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object; acentering mechanism mounted relative to the housing member, thecentering mechanism including: an annular inner element mounted forrotational movement within the housing member and about the longitudinalaxis; an outer mount, first and second arm elements pivotally mounted tothe outer mount and extending radially inwardly relative to thelongitudinal axis, the first and second arm elements each positioned tointersect the longitudinal passage and adapted to pivot relative to thehousing member, the first and second arm elements operatively connectedwhereby pivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement withthe elongated object causes the annular inner element to rotate inresponse thereto and effect corresponding pivotal movement of the secondarm element.
 9. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 8wherein the outer mount is fixed with respect to the housing member. 10.The surgical access apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the first andsecond arm elements are each pivotally mounted to the outer mountthrough a living hinge.
 11. A surgical access apparatus, whichcomprises: a housing member; a portal member extending from the housingmember and defining a longitudinal axis, the housing member and theportal member defining a longitudinal passage therethrough dimensionedto permit passage of an elongated object; and at least three armelements pivotally mounted relative to the housing member aboutrespective pivot axes, each pivot axis extending in general parallelrelation to the longitudinal axis, the at least three arms extendingradially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis, the at least threearm elements each positioned to intersect the longitudinal passage, theat least three arms having camming structure to operatively connect theat least three arms in a manner whereby pivotal movement of a first armelement upon engagement with the elongated object causes correspondingpivotal movement of the remaining arm elements.
 12. The surgical accessapparatus according to claim 11 including a seal disposed within thehousing member, the seal adapted to establish a substantial sealingrelation with the elongated object.
 13. The surgical access apparatusaccording to claim 11 wherein the at least three arm elements arepivotally mounted relative to the housing member about living hinges.14. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 11 wherein each ofthe at least three arm elements includes cam slots for receivingcorresponding cam pins of adjacent arm elements.
 15. The surgical accessapparatus according to claim 11 wherein the at least three arm elementsare adapted to normally bias the elongated object in a generally alignedposition with respect to the longitudinal axis.